Research from Zellmer, Johanna

Researcher profile for Johanna Zellmer

Profile

Research Outputs

Johanna Zellmer

Johanna.Zellmer@op.ac.nz

Johanna Zellmer completed a formal apprenticeship as a goldsmith in Germany and holds a Master's degree from the Canberra School of Art, Australian National University. She is a Principal Lecturer and Studio Coordinator for Jewellery & Metalsmithing.

Johanna explores contemporary discourses of capitalism and identity by using currency as a key medium. Through the basic jewellery interventions of cutting and forging minted state symbols from coins, Johanna questions whether the hybrid identities of contemporary culture can be embodied in a single object. The publication of a book alongside her touring exhibition ‘forged’ enabled her to comprehensively capture interlinking concepts of nation states, migration, data collection, access and social encounter as being essential to her practice. She considers contemporary jewellery to be able to function as an analytical tool or instrument of identity politics. Her most recent research considers the advance of human genome counting towards DNA sequencing entire populations. She’s questioning its potential for inclusion or exclusion of migrants, with references to the American sci-fi movie Gattaca from 1997. Accordingly Johanna explores the potential of jewellery to be used as a medium of socio-political knowledge.

Johanna helps students to grow their own making, writing and exhibition practice in the field of contemporary craft. She is teaching across all levels and has been supervising postgraduate projects in both Jewellery and Ceramics in the past, with candidates’ research intersecting a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, medicine and theology. In 2014, she co-founded CLINKProject with Shane Hartdegen (HoD at Hungry Creek Art & Craft School), which prompts annual student and staff collaborations towards experimental and traditional pop-up exhibitions in Auckland and abroad. These have attracted invitations from the Auckland Museum, Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, Radiant Pavilion and the Percy Grainger Museum in Melbourne. Key driving aspects developed by the group are collaborative making, public interaction and collective publication in the journal, Scope: Contemporary Research Topics (thescopes.org).

Johanna’s work has been presented in New Zealand's TVONE series Neighbourhood (episode 10 - North Dunedin) and been selected for the Parkin Drawing Prize. She exhibits internationally and her research projects are frequently discussed by Munich-based, Indian philosopher Dr Pravu Mazumdar.

Research Stories

Giving adults permission to play

Immigrants forging identity

Identity politics

Zellmer,J. (2019) Sweden Residency and Munich Showcase. Dunedin School of Art, 25 July 2019

Zellmer, J. (2019) When the crafts are entering the space outside themselves - Part 2. https://konstepidemin.se/kalender/changing-position/

Zellmer, J. (2019) CLINKProject - Collaboration, Intervention, Exhibition. Co-authored paper, seminar presented jointly with colleague Andrea Daly (HCAC, Auckland), University of Gothenburg, Academy of Design and Crafts, 20 March 2019 at 3pm, 60 min

Zellmer, J. (2019) Allotropic. https://www.munichjewelleryweek.com/event/allotropic/

Zellmer, J. (2019) It's no a big deal. Joint conversations in the exhibition 'Meld' at Konstepidemin, Gothenburg, Sweden; moderator Babro Oestlund, invited guest Grace Lai (curator of Decorative Arts, Auckland Museum, NZ); 25 April 2019, 120 min

Zellmer, J. (2019) Meld Exhibition at Konstepidemin Gallery, Gothenburg, Sweden; 6 April - 5 May 2019; opened by art historian Love Joensson.

Zellmer, J. (2019) CLINK project 6. Radiant Pavilion, Melbourne Contemporary Jewellery and Object Biennial, 7 - 15 September.

Last, A and Zellmer, J. (2018) CLINK Project: Collaboration – Intervention – Exhibition. The Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 10 May, 60min.

Zellmer, J. (2018) When the crafts are entering the space outside themselves. South African Journal of Art History, Volume 32 Number 2, ISSN 0258-3542, 2018: 173-182.

Hartdegen, S. and Zellmer, J. (2018) CLINKProject: Collaboration – Intervention – Exhibition. Oral presentation Unpacking the Language of Things Symposium, Dowse Art Museum, 12 April 2018, 60min.

Zellmer, J. (2018) Four coinscapes from series CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS. Kaitangata Post Office, 17-25 March, 4 pieces exhibited. Exhibition of 60 New Zealand artists with affiliation to Kaitangata, including Robin White. Curated by Anne-Marie Davis.

Hartdegen, S. and Zellmer, J. (2018) Moments from the Body Political. Co-curator of Exhibition, No Filter Jewellery-Fest, VicBooks Kelburn, 12-15 April.

Zellmer, J. (2018) For Otto and Alfredo. Solo exhibition; Buchhandlung Bindernagel; Friedberg, Germany from 14 July – 1 August 2018.

Zellmer, J. (2017) Visions from the Colonies. Abstract selected for inclusion at the Association for Contemporary Jewellery's (ACJ) 20:20 Visions Conference, Sheffield, UK, 7 - 9 July 2017 http://www.acj.org.uk/index.php/2-uncategorised/426-conference-july-2017. Invited speakers were Boris Bally (USA), collected by the V&A (Victoria & Albert) Museum, UK; Elizabeth Shaw (AU), Griffith University, Brisbane; Simon Fraser (UK), MA Course Leader, Central St Martin’s, London; visiting professor Christoph Zellweger (CH/UK), Sheffield Hallam University; Johanna Zellmer (DE/NZ), Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic and contemporary jeweller Melissa Cameron (AU/US).

Zellmer, J. (2017) When the crafts are entering the space outside themselves. Presented at 'Craft.Object.People.' 11th National Conference of the South African Journal of Art History. School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, South Afrika, 10-12 August 2017; 20 min. ACJ's 20:20 Visions Conference, Sheffield, UK, 7 - 9 July 2017 20 min. Research Seminar Series, Department of Languages and Cultures, Otago University, 24 October 2017; 20 min.

Jeffs, A; Mazumdar P; Zellmer, J. (2017) ACCess mATTers: Trio. 3 works in Art & Genetics, exhibited at the HD Skinner Annex, Otago Museum, Dunedin; 4-16 July 2017.

Zellmer, J. (2017) forged Michaelis Galleries, Ritchie Studio Gallery. University of Cape Town, South Africa. 15 July - 20 August 2017. 60 pieces exhibited.

Barrett, L; Botha, D; YeonJoo, Ch. and 15 others (2017) CLINKProject 4 Pop-up jewellery exhibition conceived by the jewellery collaborative CLINK, in response to the Museum collection and space. Auckland War Memorial Museum Foyer, New Zealand, 9-20 October 2017.

Jeffs, A. and Zellmer, J. (2017) ACCess mATTers - Trio Article written (total contribution of 85%) and submitted to Junctures: Journal for Thematic Dialogue ISSN: 1176-5119 #18: GENETICS, November 2017: 22-27; www.junctures.org.nz. Junctures is fully blind peer reviewed and indexed in the EBSCO, Proquest and Thomson Gale databases as well as the Ulrichs Periodical Directory. This article focuses on my collaboration with scientist Aaron Jeffs as participants in the Art & Science project 'Genetics'. This is described in greater detail in my third Nominated Research Output 'When the crafts are entering the space outside themselves'. The article 'ACCess mATTers - Trio' incorporates Aaron Jeffs written contribution for the exhibition catalog and looks at cross-disciplinary collaboration as a key element for shaping contemporary craft processes.

Aldred, K; Beaumont, S; Boyle, A. and 13 others (2017) CLINKProject 3. Co-author and primary editor of journal article (total contribution of 65%). Blind peer-reviewed and published in Scope: Contemporary Research Topics, Art & Design, 13, pp 108-115. http://www.thescopes.org/art/

Zellmer, J. (2017) When the crafts are entering the space outside themselves. Research Seminar Series, Department of Languages and Cultures, Otago University, 24 October 2017; 20 min

Zellmer, J. (2016) Unstable Territory: Borders and identity in contemporary jewellery. South African Journal of Art History, Volume 31, Number 1, ISSN 0258-3542, 2016: 55-65

Zellmer, J. (2016) Exhibition History as Craft History Workshop. Abstract selected for this international writing workshop held at Auckland Museum, 3 July.

Zellmer, J. (2016) CLINKProject 3: Collaborism. Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Art Gallery, 24 Aug - 30 September, with live events on 24 and 25 August.

Zellmer, J. (2015) FORGED. J. Zellmer, FORGED, Darling Publications: Cologne & New York. Book launch at Forrester Gallery, Oamaru.

Zellmer, J. (2015) forged. National tour 2015: Ashburton Art Gallery, Canterbury, NZ, 26 September - 15 November 2015, opening 27th September; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashburton-Art-Gallery/143663005664504. Forrester Gallery, Oamaru, NZ, 18 July - 6 September, opening 17th July, 5.30pm. Artist talk and book launch 1 September 5.30pm; http://www.culturewaitaki.org.nz/forrester-gallery/. Millenium Art Gallery, Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ, 2 May - 14 June. Opening and floor talk 1 May, 6pm; http://www.marlboroughart.org.nz/index.mvc?ArticleID=127

Zellmer, J. (2015) States of Change. Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, Auckland, NZ; Curiosity Corner, 1-30 May Solo show, curator Ioana Gordon-Smith.

Zellmer, J. (2015) FORGED. 2015: Millenium Art Gallery, Blenheim, Marlborough, 2 May - 14 June; oral presentation at opening 1 May, 6pm, http://www.marlboroughart.org.nz/index.mvc?ArticleID=127. Forrester Gallery, Oamaru, 18 July - 6 September, book launch with public reading, 1 September 5.30pm http://www.culturewaitaki.org.nz/forrester-gallery/. Ashburton Art Gallery, Canterbury, 26 September - 15 November, public reading at opening 27th September https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashburton-Art-Gallery/143663005664504. 2016: Eastern Southland Gallery, Gore, 16 April - 12 June, oral presentation 1st June http://www.esgallery.co.nz/. Objectspace, Auckland, 10 September - 15 October, opening 9th September http://www.objectspace.org.nz/. Mint Gallery, Dunedin, 2 - 24 December, opening 9 December, public reading 17 December, final gathering 24 December http://www.mintart.co.nz/. 2017: Michaelis Galleries: Ritchie Studio Gallery, University of Cape Town, South Africa. 15 July - 20 August, oral presentation 12 August.

Van Hale, M. and Zellmer, J. (2015) Clink Project #2. Scope: Contemporary Research Topics (Art & Design), 11, November 2015; pp 160.

Zellmer, J (2015) Art & Design. An Exhibition Invited to participate in this group show at the Skinner Annex, Otago Museum, Dunedin, 14-21 October. Two pieces exhibited. http://artandesign.org/exhibition/. This exhibition was organised to coincide with the Art & Design Symposium held at the Dunedin School of Art. Curated by Clive Humphreys (Dunedin School of Art) and Matthew Galloway (Otago Polytechnic School of Design) the intention of the show was to bring together a diverse cross-section of practitioners, falling in the grey area between Art and Design.

Beaumont, S; Black, T; Brain, E. and 19 others (2015) Clink Project #2 Project leadership and choreography (total contribution of 75%) of public pop-up exhibitions project at three venues in Auckland's Inner City: Auckland Art Gallery Courtyard, Auckland Public Library Terrace and Britomart Transport Centre. 19-25 September with public event on 23 September 2015.

Last, A. & Zellmer, J. (2014) Thinking Jewellery: A Reflection on Established and Recent Interdisciplinary Frameworks. Co-Presenter with an equal contribution to all aspects of this output (50%). The Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 7 November, 60min.

J. Zellmer (2014) States of CHANGE. Entry selected for the Parkin Drawing Prize finalists exhibition at the Academy Galleries, Wellington, New Zealand. 26 July - 25 August 2014. 1 piece exhibited.

Hartegen, S., & Zellmer, J. (2014) Clink Project: SNAP-MAKE-EAT-DRAW-FORM Co-authored article (total contribution of 50%). Scope: Contemporary Research Topics (Art & Design)2014, pp 62-64 http://www.thescopes.org/art/

Beaumont, S; Boyle, A; Heenan, R. and 11 others (2014) CLINKProject: SNAP-MAKE-EAT-DRAW-FORM Project and curatorial co-leadership (total contribution of 50%) of five concurrent pop-up exhibition at five selected Auckland Inner City Link Bus stops; 29 August - 6 September with public event on 5 September 2014; http://www.jewellersguildofgreatersandringham.com/overview-24-september-2015.html

Zellmer, Johanna (2014) place·ment: Precious Objects, Global Exchange and Human Encounter. Scope: Contemporary Research Topics; art & design 9: Crossing Disciplines, Otago Polytechnic/Te Kura Matatini ki Otago, Dunedin, November 2014. http://www.thescopes.org/art/. Scope is peer-reviewed and published annually in November. This article is the published conference paper I presented at the The Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia's (JMGA) 15th Biennial Conference "Participation + Exchange" in Brisbane the previous year. It reflects on the collaborative project place·ment, culminating in an exhibition in Florence and publication of the same name.

Eismann B., Pizzini A., Zellmer J. (2013) place·ment. Co-authored seminar with equal contribution to all aspects of the presentation (30%). Alchemia School of Contemporay Jewellery and Design, Piazza Piattellina 3/r, Florence, Italy; 17-20 October 2013; 10 groups of work exhibited; http://alchimiablog.com/tag/johanna-zellmer;

Zellmer, J. (2013) Report: “place·ment”, an exhibition in Florence, Italy, October 2013. The Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 7 November, 60min. This programme is aimed at critical debate around contemporary visual arts issues and in this forum contributes many aspects relevant to contemporary arts and craft practices. The weekly programme is distributed widely per printed media and email invitations with regular contributions by internationally recognised artists. Presentation is by invitation from the Academic Leader: Postgraduate Studies.

Eismann, B., Pizzini, A., Zellmer, J. (2013) place·ment. Co-authored exhibition with equal contribution to all aspects of the project (35%). Alchemia School of Contemporay Jewellery and Design, Piazza Piattellina 3/r, Florence, Italy; 17-20 October 2013; 10 groups of work exhibited;

Eismann, B., Pizzini, A., & Zellmer, J. (2013) place·ment - the 'placing' of precious objects as a means of exploring issues related to identity and origin. Otago Polytechnic, ISBN 978-0-908846-60-3, essays by M. Gaspar, P. Hoelscher and P. Mazumdar, 81 pages. In association with an exhibition and oral presentation at Alchemia School of Contemporary Jewellery & Design, Florence, Italy, Oct 2013 (see ORO 'place·ment').

Zellmer, J. (2013) place·ment: Precious Objects, Global Exchange and Human Encounter. JMGA 15th Biennial Conference "Participation + Exchange", 13th July 2013, Brisbane, Australia, 20min; blind peer reviewed paper selection, programme published online http://www.participationandexchange.com/untitled.html. The Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia (JMGA) is a national forum with biennial conferences for jewellery and object practitioners. The aims of the organisation are to promote the crafts of jewellery and metalsmithing and the advancement of craft in Australia; maintain an exchange of information with similar groups in Australia and overseas and to consolidate the craft of jewellery and metalwork in Australia as an art form. This paper was published in Scope: Contemporary Research Topics; art & design 9: Crossing Disciplines, Otago Polytechnic/Te Kura Matatini ki Otago, Dunedin, November 2014. http://www.thescopes.org/art/. It reflects on my collaboration in the project place·ment, culminating in an exhibition in Florence and publication of the same name.

Zellmer, J. (2012) place·ment: Precious Objects, Origins and Identities. Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 25 October, 60min. http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2012/art-seminar-johanna-zellmer/dunedin This programme is aimed at critical debate around contemporary visual arts issues and in this forum contributes many aspects relevant to contemporary arts and craft practices. The weekly programme is distributed widely per printed media and email invitations with regular contributions by internationally recognised artists. Presentation is by invitation from the Academic Leader: Postgraduate Studies.

Zellmer, J. (2011) Visiting Art Schools in Europe: Notes on Benchmarking for the Dunedin School of Art, Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 25 August, 90min. This programme is aimed at critical debate around contemporary visual arts issues and in this forum contributes many aspects relevant to contemporary arts and craft practices. The weekly programme is distributed widely per printed media and email invitations with regular contributions by internationally recognised artists.

Last, A & Zellmer, J. (2011) Contemporary Jewellery in New Zealand. Co-presenter, Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar programme, 27 October, 90 min. This programme is aimed at critical debate around contemporary visual arts issues, and in this forum contributes many aspects relevant to contemporary arts and craft practices. The weekly programme is distributed widely per printed media and email invitations with regular contributions by internationally recognised artists.

Last, A. and Zellmer, J. (2011) CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN SILVER & METALWORK EXHIBITION BUDA 2011, 11th Biennial Ernest Leviny Commemorative Silver Exhibition. Buda Historic Home & Garden, Castlemaine, Australia, 5th - 19th June 2011, 2 silver vessels exhibited by invitation, equal co-author.

Last, A. and Zellmer, J. (2010) Tableware for Octa. Equal contribution to a collaborative commission project, designing and producing silver award vessels, 2008-2010, 12 objects produced.

Last, A. and Zellmer, J. (2010) Octa Silverware Preview. Lure NZ Contemporary Jewellery, Dunedin, March 31st, 12 vessels. Octa Board reviewed.

Zellmer, J. (2010) How to recognize a piece of jewellery. CONTEXT, the official publication of the Costume and Textile Association of New Zealand ISSN 1176-3132 Issue 20, May 2010, pages 35-37.

Zellmer, J. (2010) The Compendium Finale of Contemporary Jewellers. Exhibition of work by New Zealand artists published in the book "The Compendium Finale of Contemporary Jewellers", 5 pieces contributed. Fingers Contemporary NZ Jewellery, Auckland, 28 June - 17 July 2010.

Zellmer, J. (2009) Momente ausser Kontrolle Solo exhibition of project "Altius-Fortius-Citius" in the souterrain of the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Hanau, Germany, invited by selection. 16 January - 8 March 2009. 44 pieces exhibited.

Zellmer, J. (2009) Back from Europe and ahead of time. Oral presentation and roundtable discussion, introducing recent research and the internationally debated 'Compendium Finale of Contemporary Jewellery Makers'. Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 3 June 2009, 90 min. This programme is aimed at critical debate around contemporary visual arts issues, and in this forum contributes many aspects relevant to contemporary arts and craft practices. The weekly programme is distributed widely per printed media and email invitations with regular contributions by internationally recognised artists.

Zellmer, J. (2009) "if i could fuck a MOUNTAIN...". One of 3 catalogue essays, the other two being by historian Dr. Damian Skinner (NZ) and curator Kevin Murray (AUS). Deckers, P. and Gascard, H. (production and eds.), Handstand, pgs 8-9, ISBN: 978-0-473-15238-3.

Zellmer, J. (2009) The Compendium Finale of Contemporary Jewellery Makers. Darling Publications (ed Andy Lim), Cologne & New York. CODA Museum Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Pforzheim Museum of Jewellery, Germany ISBN: 978-3-939130-95-6 1st edition printed and bound 2008/2009. Book launch: Munich, Germany, March 2009 pgs 2287-2288 and 2350.

Zellmer, J. (2009) Alumina. Group show of selected recent graduates of the Gold and Silversmithing Workshop of the Canberra School of Art, Australian National University (ANU) School of Art Foyer Gallery, 30 April - 30 May 2009, 5 pieces exhibited. Catalogue published by ANU School of Art, April 2009. Entry published on page 31. Copies are available by request at goldandsilver@anu.edu.au.

Fay, C., Zellmer, J. and Last, A. (2009) Contemporary Jewellery is Dead. Equal co-presenter of this conference workshop session, which used Ted Noten's provocative manifesto "Contemporary Jewellery is dead" as a reference to test and examine jewellery in a contemporary social context. Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Art Educators (ANZAAE) conference 2009 Art Works - Mahi Toi at the Dunedin School of Art, 23 April 2009, 120-min workshop. This output closely informs my current teaching and supervision practice and in turn links to the nominated QA Journal Article, "How to recognize a piece of jewellery", published in CONTEXT in May 2010.

Zellmer, J. (2007) New Traditional Jewellery: "Symbols of Faith". International contest for jewellery artists, EMB&B Art Events for the Foundation AIB; nominated out of 340 entries from over 31 countries as one of 60 exhibitors for two venues: Sieraad Art Fair, RAI, Amsterdam, 6-9 December 2007, and CODA Museum Apeldoorn, De Verdieping, 18 October 2008 - 18 January 2009; 2 pieces contributed, www.newtraditionaljewellery.com

Zellmer, J. (2007) Control. Fishbowl Gallery, NMIT School of Arts and Media, Nelson, September 2007, 1 object and 1 banner.

Keller, Ch. and Zellmer, J. (2007) Documenta 12. Joint presentation, Dunedin School of Art Public Research Seminar Programme, 10 October 2007, 90 min. This programme is aimed at critical debate around contemporary visual arts issues, and in this forum contributes many aspects relevant to contemporary arts and craft practices. The weekly programme is distributed widely per printed media and email invitations with regular contributions by internationally recognised artists.

Zellmer, J. (2007) Moments Beyond Control. Junctures: Journal for Thematic Dialogue ISSN: 1176-5119 8: CONTROL, June 2007, page numbers 101 - 107. Junctures is indexed in the EBSCO, Proquest and Thomson Gale databasesas well as the Ulrichs Periodical Directory. Online also at www.junctures.org.nz

Zellmer, J (2005) Authenticism: A look at Pacific and Indigenous Jewellery Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Art Educators Bi-Annual National Conference, Massey University, College of Education, Palmerston North 18 - 21 April 1 hour

Zellmer, J (2005) Silver Goblet Private commission R. Mondon, Graefestrasse 51, Kassel, Germany 22-26 August 1 piece Before her retirement, Ms. Mondon was editor of "Kassel Kulturell", German art periodical of the city Kassel, which continues to host DOCUMENTA, a major international exhibition of contemporary art.

Zellmer, J. (2005) Some Plus One. Group Exhibition, Segue Gallery, Burlington street, Dunedin 22 February - 5th March. 4 works.

Zellmer, J and Last, A (2003) Situationz Vacant Details/JOT 2003 Objectspace catalogue 22 March 2003 20 min Objectspace, Box 5072, Auckland

Zellmer, J (2003) New to New Zealand: Exhibition of Artists born overseas and now living in NZ Masterworks Gallery, 77 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand April 2003 One object exhibited.

Zellmer, J and 4 others (2003) Interchange, School of Art jewellery and textiles staff group exhibition Ol Gallery, Jeonju, South Korea 27th September – 7th October 2003 3 pieces exhibited Ol Gallery catalogue

Zellmer, J and 4 others (2003) Interchange, School of Art jewellery and textiles staff group exhibition Woosuk University Gallery, Samnye/Jeonju, South Korea 8th – 15th October 2003 3 pieces exhibited Woosuk University Gallery catalogue

Zellmer, J (2003) Authenticism: A look at Pacific and Indigenous Jewellery with Johanna Zellmer Otago Museum, Dunedin, New Zealand 23 November 2003 35 min Otago Museum 'What's On' guide

Zellmer, J (2001) Pacific Tones Master of Fine Arts Seminar Programme, Otago Polytechnic September 11

Zellmer, J (2001) Welche Farbe hat Schmuck? Zimmerhof/Haldenhof Schmuck Symposium Conference programme 14 -17 June 1 hour Kontakt und Sekreteriat: Yvonne von Racknitz Hotel Schloss Heinsheim 74606 Bad Rappenau Germany

Lonie, B. Thompson, G. Zellmer, J (2000) Jewellery Through the Ages Friends of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Sunday, 16th July 20 min DPAG Society records

Zellmer, J and 14 others (2000) Perspectives Murray, K.(eds), Craft – metal, Craft Victoria (Australia) ISSN 1411 2748 vol.31 no.240 – 2/2000 p.10

Back to Search